O’driscoll hits out over head injury assessment as Irish grab late victory

0 Johnny Sexton salutes the crowd after his winning kick. Six Nations bosses have announced a review into “a number of incidents” relating to head injury protocols in Ireland’s 15-13 win over France in Paris. France halfbacks Matthieu Jalibert and Antoine Dupont both suffered knee injuries but were also sent for head injury assessments (HIAS).

France boss Jacques Brunel insisted this was ordered by the independent doctor. Replacement scrumhalf Dupont’s departure for an HIA allowed starting nine Maxime Machenaud to return to the field.

Former Ireland skipper Brian O’driscoll was among those who questioned the fairness of the decisions.

O’driscoll tweeted: “Just because we won with an incredible 42-metre dropgoal that HIA decision shouldn’t get swept under the carpet. It was nothing short of a disgrace!!!”

Yesterday, the Six Nations announced in a statement: “The HIA review processor is reviewing a number of incidents from the France v Ireland match. Depending on their findings, Six Nations Rugby Limited (SNRL) will be considering the next steps in respect of those incidents.

“SNRL has in place a head injury assessment protocol thatappliestothe2018championships, which has been approved by World Rugby. As part of that protocol, there is a process by which Hia/concussion-related incidents are reviewed. This involves an initial review by an independent HIA review processor, Alligin (UK) Limited, and then, in certain cases, a further review by an HIA review panel. The HIA review panel can, as part of its review, make recommendations(amongotherthings) as to further education and training that is required, and/or whether disciplinary action should be taken by SNRL.

“This two-stage review process is required by World Rugby.”

Johnny Sexton’s overtime drop-goal handed Ireland a win they appeared to have thrown away, after Teddy Thomas’ converted try edged Les Bleus into a 13-12 lead late on.

Replacement stand-off Anthony Belleau converted Thomas’ try and then missed a testing penalty shot at goal that could have secured France the victory.

Scrum-half Machenaud assumed chief goal-kicking responsibilities from the start of the match, landing two penalties. On his return to the field in the wake of the HIA for Dupont, however, he did not attempt another shot at goal.

Brunel insisted Les Bleus had no control over either Dupont or Jalibert being removed for head injury checks. “They were collisions but the head injury protocol was decided by the independent doctor,” he said.